Her short blonde teased curls were more reminiscent of a pensioner than a pop princess.

But there was nothing over-the-hill about Beyonce's stunning performance as she joined dozens of stars at last night's Fashion Rocks event.

The former Destiny's Child singer, who is normally recognisable by her flowing tresses, stole the show with three incredible performances.

Beyonce Knowles' Etta James hairpiece is a change from her usual long locks

Beyonce Knowles' Etta James hairpiece is a change from her usual long locks

For one she swopped her long locks for a short blonde 'do. But the new look isn't permanent. The Dreamgirls actress is to play legendary jazz singer Etta James in the upcoming film, Cadillac Records, a biopic about legendary record producer Leonard Chess.

The 27-year-old also perfomed in an incredible sequinned outfit which highlighted her every curve.

She wore the clinging gold suit, with plunging neckline, for a sizzling duet with Justin Timerberlake of Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing. The pair's performance channeled the classic song's original singers, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Beyonce and Justin Timberlake duet at the Fashion Rocks event

Beyonce and Justin Timberlake duet at the Fashion Rocks event

Beyonce dazzled in her gold sequinned catsuit, which clung to her famous curves

Beyonce dazzled in her gold sequinned catsuit, which clung to her famous curves

The fifth annual Fashion Rocks concert, at Radio City Music Hall in New York, was held to celebrate the relationship between music and fashion, while raising money for charity.

Beyonce was one of dozens of Hollywood and music stars who turned out to perform at the fundraiser for Stand Up To Cancer, a program established by the Entertainment Industry Foundation to raise money for cancer research.

Diva-tastic: Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus perform their charity single onstage at the Fashion Rocks show

Diva-tastic: Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus perform their charity single onstage at the Fashion Rocks show

An armful of Rihanna: The Umbrella singer performed in a showgirl costume

An armful of Rihanna: The Umbrella singer performed in a showgirl costume

Jump: The Pussycat Dolls perform an energetic routine

Jump: The Pussycat Dolls perform an energetic routine

English singer Natasha Bedingfield said the event held a special significance to her, after losing her grandmother to cancer.

'This is the first time we're all together singing the song,' she said. 'It was really special. It was really like a sisterhood, like a bond.

'We're all used to being the stars - the only star in the room - and it was really nice I think that everyone could just come together and really support each other.'

Welsh girl Dufy and singer Solange, Beyonce's sister, onstage

Diva time: A glittering Mariah performed with a gang of dancers

Diva time: A glittering Mariah performed with a gang of dancers

Other performers included Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Duffy, the Pussycat Dolls and the Black Eyed Peas.

The event was supported by a live telethon that aired simultaneously on three American TV channels - ABC, NBC and CBS.

Amond those who turned out to offer their support to the cancer charity were US presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain lent their support

They were joined by cancer sufferer Patrick Swayze, who spoke movingly of his battle with the pancreatic form of the disease.

'I keep dreaming of a future - a future with a long and healthy life,' he said. 'A life not lived in the shadow of cancer but in the light. I dream that everyone diagnosed will be fortunate to have hope.

'That every human being lost to cancer isn't gone but is standing here with us tonight. I see a future where all scientists come together with a unified agenda and share their research and their brilliance.

'I dream that the word cure will no longer be followed by the words it's impossible. We can do anything. But the longer we do nothing more people will die.'